When it comes to volunteering abroad for the first time, it’s one of those decisions that feels exciting but overwhelming. There’s so much to think about — where to go, what program, what’s involved, what’s expected — but if you know how to get prepared beforehand, most programs run smoothly and exceed the expectations of first-time travelers.
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Where to Find Your Program
The first thing one must do for an effective and life-changing experience is find a proper program that is well-run and suited to one’s skill set and interests. The volunteer sector is vast and poorly run in various places, and thus, the first step to take is acquiring all information possible before diving in. If one gets a bad program from the start, it’s hard to recover unless honest mistakes are made early on. This means much more comprehensive research than an organization’s brochure or website can offer.
Reading first-hand accounts from people who’ve already completed placements is one of the most useful things a prospective volunteer can do. IVI Reviews from returned volunteers offer exactly this kind of insight — the kind that brochures and websites rarely provide — and reading a range of them gives a much clearer picture of what to genuinely expect. Look for patterns across multiple reviews rather than fixating on any single account.
What to Expect
One of the most significant adjustments first-time volunteers have is understanding the pace of work. People expect dramatic changes through months of work — it’s important to understand that volunteering abroad can often be slow-paced without immediate effects. Instead, use the time as a way to help integrate into the culture by showing up day after day, building relationships with locals and getting accustomed to the routine. Oftentimes, bigger successes come over time.
Accommodations can be tricky, too. Different programs offer different luxuries in more developed countries but more basic options in less-developed nations. Some programs have volunteers living in well-accommodated homestays/volunteer houses and others have programs where flushing toilets are a luxury. This is where reading reviews helps. One can ask the organization directly about accommodations, food, daily logistics, etc., but it’s always worth vetting before commitment. The more questions asked and answers provided ahead of time, the easier it will be to adapt upon arrival.
What to Prepare
Once a program is set in stone, the practicalities should all be vetted. Each country has specific vaccination requirements, visa needs, travel insurance recommendations, health issues avoidable preemptively, etc. Most organizations will give a comprehensive list but it’s always recommended to double-check independent of what the site needs.
Packing considerations are also relevant, especially if one develops a habit beforehand of thoughtfully packing and not bringing too much stuff. A volunteer who thinks they need every possible piece of clothing will end up frustrated and without clothes all other volunteers/staff will appreciate. Most places need basics (which can be bought or requested) but packing for contingencies is not worth it.
Learning a few words before traveling goes a long way. Without being fluent in the culture’s language, at least knowing a few phrases shows respect and helps ease integration.
The Mindset
Finally, it’s important to adopt the right mindset before going abroad. First-time volunteers are encouraged to listen and observe instead of applying their own learned habits from their respective cultures without getting an idea for themselves first. This isn’t disrespecting how people are raised; rather, flexibility is one of the most helpful things a volunteer can bring with them.
Schedules may differ, plans may change from day-to-day and it’s essential to exercise patience and not get frustrated when things do not go according to plan. Everyone is there for a reason but everyone involved is also human. It’d be far more worthwhile to adapt to change instead of villainizing those who need it.
It’s also important to get honest with oneself before going. Volunteering abroad works best when one is looking for an authentic experience for themselves—and their clients—rather than a box checked off of their collegiate experience or résumé earnings. This is not to say that growth and enjoyment aren’t part of the equation—they absolutely are—but the ones who get invested in the work and people earn a lot more merit.
Returning Home
Most first-time volunteers return home with far more than they came with—perspectives changed, friendships forged, understanding a new culture better than ever before so much so that little details stay with them long after they’ve left and forgotten the practicalities of being there in the first place. Placing priorities on things unforeseen back home gives them a new outlook on life for sure. First-time volunteering abroad makes an impression upon someone in ways they never thought possible as long as they come prepared and open-minded with a genuine willingness to help out from the beginning.
